Juanita Seate Bailey

Juanita Lee Seate Bailey (93) died peacefully at home surrounded by her family, August 11, 2015 following an episode of congestive heart failure. She was born on March 10, 1922 to James Lemuel Seate and Otie Thomas Stigall Seate in Harnett County, N. C. She is survived by one sister, Frances Seate Wilkins and four children: Donna Jeanne Bailey Creech and husband, Fred; Cynthia Sue Bailey Britt and husband John; Julie Ann Bailey Webb and husband, Jimmy; and James Seate Bailey and wife Dolores. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Robert William (Will) Creech, Debra Jeanne Creech Almanza, Thomas Wayne Creech and wife Amanda; John Patrick Britt and wife Janice; Kelly Sue Britt LeCompte and husband Nathan; James Bailey Britt and wife Megan; David James Webb and wife Deborah; Jessica Elaine Bailey Creech and husband Jordan; and Evan James Bailey. In addition she is survived by 14 great-grandchildren: Eddie James Almanza, Anthony John Almanza, Katie Emira Almanza, Cody Dillon Creech and wife Ashley, Bethany Mae Creech, Aaron Lee Creech, John Kayden Britt, Nathan Alexandre LeCompte, Amelia Grey LeCompte, Kenna Elise LeCompte, Caroline Mckenzie Webb, Curtis James Webb, Jordan Andrew Creech Junior (JJ) , James Roland Creech and, one great great grandson, Castieo James Creech (Cas). She was preceded in death by her husband James Roland Bailey and four grandchildren, Laura Christen Bailey, Samuel James Bailey, Rachel Liana Bailey and Lance Corporal Jeffrey Stephen Webb.

Juanita Bailey was a member of the Greatest Generation and called herself a “tough ‘ole bird.” She grew up the youngest of five girls. Her family moved from Harnett County to a farm north of Selma when she was six years old. She told many stories of how her family managed on the farm during the Depression. She graduated from Selma High School in 1940, where she met the love of her life, James Roland Bailey. In 1941, before they could be married, he was drafted into the Army and sent to England for four long years during WW II. During that time she waited for him and worked in the shipyards in Wilmington, N.C. Her job was to check tools in and out of the tool crib. She proudly said they launched one Liberty ship a day during the height of production to support the war effort. She married Roland, December 4, 1945 after he came home from the war. In 1948, they began to farm a small section of land that belonged to Roland’s mother, growing tobacco, corn, soybeans, a vegetable garden and raising cows, hogs, chickens. Three daughters and a son followed and the farm grew. Roland supplemented his income with carpentry jobs and the family farm house expanded as well. They joined Branch Chapel Free Will Baptist Church where she supported Roland as a deacon’s wife and taught children’s Sunday School. Juanita had a green thumb and loved to grow flowers. She shared her love for growing things with her children and grandchildren. She loved living on the farm and breathing “fresh air” on her back deck. She lived a quiet life and loved her family, constantly telling stories about her life.

Services will be held on Sunday, August 16th at Branch Chapel Free Will Baptist Church with visitation from 3 to 4:30 pm and the funeral following. Burial will be at Branch Chapel FWB church beside her beloved husband of 51 years. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the building fund of Branch Chapel Church. The family would like to thank Bethany and Thanksgiving Fire Departments and Johnston County EMS for their professional and numerous responses to her home. We would also like to acknowledge Horizon Family Medicine and Dr. Jesse Pittard for providing considerate and skillful medical care during the last 37 years. Special thanks to Johnston Home Health and Hospice Care, Southeast Comfort Care and special care giver Emma Cooley.